Want to Control a Market? Patent it!

In a somewhat mindblowing announcement, newcomer to the Australian raw scene Ricardo Riskalla - after attending raw seminars held by the Vegetarian society of NSW - has proceeded to apply for a patent in Australia on what he terms "Raw Food Processes". These processes (according to Ricardo) include "innovative methods of food preparation, primarily dehydrating, sprouting, blending and fermentation."  Ricardo is claiming to the patent office that "Raw Food Processes" are his invention as "There is currently no individual or organisation in Australia using these methods to create dishes"1.

Mysteriously after Ricardo was contacted by another organisation, who has been continuing to use these processes to create dishes for years, prompted no change to Ricardo's claim which remains with the Australian Patent Office as we speak.

Ricardo was kind enough though, to take down the message warning others about comitting "offences" by using products or processes associated with raw food, after complaints from local teachers of the raw food lifestyle.

On a side note, one person also pointed out that a cursory glance at the patent office website (www.ipaustralia.gov.au) clearly shows that Ricardo's "Patent Number"  is actually just a patent application number at this stage, and therefore is not enforceable in court until after it has been examined anyway. That hasn't stopped mentions about Ricardo's partner being involved in law however...

So should, raw food and it's processes be patentable by one person with the ability to sue anyone else teaching them, or do we want to create a vibrant healthy scene in Australia with a range of different teachers, styles and possibilities happening all around the country?

Hey, that sounds like a good idea! I think I'll patent it...


Dom
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1 Ricardo's application on the Australian Patent Ofiice website, which can be viewed : here